Songs that inspire me going into my 55th year, pt. 1

Simple Man.

This played today in my celebration squatting workout (yesterday).  Nothing like leg day on your birthday.  I love this song.  It is certainly one of my favorites by Lynyrd Skynyrd.  It is equally a message to me, today, as it is a message I want to pass on to my son.  It is a simple theme: God first; be satisfied (by the simple things in life).

The song reminds me of my values and how I want to pass these on to my son (and daughter)—faith, family, friends, growth, health, and impacting others.  I want a simple life for myself and my children.  I want them to follow their heart, love others, trust their paths, and trust God.  Simple.

“Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this
It will help you some sunny day
Take your time…don’t live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
Go find a woman and you’ll find love
And don’t forget son
There is someone up above

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Be a simple kind of man
Won’t you do this for me son
If you can?

Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this if you try
All that I want for you my son
Is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Be a simple kind of man
Won’t you do this for me son
If you can?

Boy, don’t you worry…you’ll find yourself
Follow you heart and nothing else
And you can do this if you try
All I want for you my son
Is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Be a simple kind of man
Won’t you do this for me son
If you can?”

(Written by Gary Robert Rossington, Ronnie Van Zant, Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group)